Veteran defensive back Lardarius Webb, the Ravens' third-round pick in 2009, is making the transition to safety after playing his first seven seasons in the NFL at cornerback.

While such a transition can be tough for some players, Webb said he has embraced the switch and believes that he is a natural safety. Webb was a safety in high school and in college at Nicholls State before joining the Ravens.

"I feel like I’ve always been a safety anyway," said Webb, 30, who signed a six-year contract extension before the 2012 season. "I was a safety in high school and in college. I really never played corner until I got to the league.

"It was a pride thing. I liked playing the position; it’s a competitive edge. I like being out there playing on-on-one and competing with some of the best wide receivers throughout the game. But I love the safety (position). It’s a great transition. I’m loving it. I have more control of the defense. I like it.”

The Ravens hope switching Webb to safety will give the team's secondary a boost after they recorded a franchise-worst six interceptions during last year's 5-11 season.

Making the move will also allow Webb to be a more vocal leader on the field. Webb enters the season with 12 career interceptions. He has missed just four games in the past three seasons after suffering his second torn ACL six games into the Ravens Super Bowl-winning seasons in 2012.

"I have more of a voice back at safety," Webb said. "When I played corner I listened to the safety to tell me the checks, but now I’m the guy making the checks. I’m giving the demands. It kind of makes the leadership go up a little bit more. The guys listen because they feel like I know what I’m talking about.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said having Webb at safety gives the team more versatility on defense, including lining him up at either safety position or dropping him back to play cornerback or nickelback.

"I think it really gives us some flexibility, with he and Eric (Weddle) both, moving guys around and disguising our defenses a little bit," Harbaugh said. "But also the fact that he played safety. He was a safety in college, so he’s got a good feel back there, and I think his athleticism translates really well to being back in the deep end and getting over top of routes and trying to make plays on the ball.”

Webb said he will also rely on some of the knowledge and guidance he gained while playing with future Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed early in his career. He added that he keeps in touch with Reed, but Webb joked that he won't tell his mentor too much now that Reed is an assistant defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills.

"I always talk to him and watch his old film," Webb said of Reed. "He was a different type of player – one of the greats. He was just a smart player. Me, I just want to get the hang of it first. I don’t want to be jumping stuff I shouldn’t be jumping – things that he used to do, but made great plays. I just want to learn the position.”

Webb said he also expects to learn a thing or two from Weddle.

"I’m always reaching out to Eric: ‘If you know something, tell me. If you see something wrong, please tell me,’" Webb said. "I just want the best for this team. I want us to get back to where we’re supposed to be. If he has anything to tell me, I’m always listening.”

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The 7th annual Lardarius Webb Charity Softball game is set for June 12 at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen. The game will pit the Ravens offense against the defense. Gates will open at noon with the game set to begin at 2:30 p.m. For more information on the game, tap here.